Esther Chizaram Otuonye is a beauty queen whose life is built on three core values: Faith in God, Purpose, and Impact. Proudly from Afara-Ukwu Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, Otuonye is also a Nigerian chef, entrepreneur, philanthropist and humanitarian.
She served as the first-ever and reigning Miss One Nigeria 2026, a title that carries special significance as she became the first woman ever crowned with this prestigious honor. For her, the crown became more than a symbol of beauty; it is also a symbol responsibility, leadership, and service.
Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change in the lives of others. Every chapter of her life has strengthened her belief that true success is not measured solely by personal accomplishments, but by the number of lives we positively impact
Beyond pageantry, she is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of BRAMA Foods, a culinary brand established with the vision of bringing people together through the universal language of food.
In this interview with Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha, Queen Esther opens up about her humble roots in Abia State, navigating the painful loss of her mother to breast cancer, and her journey as a thick, curvy woman challenging the narrow beauty standards of modern pageantry. She also shares how she balances the heat of the kitchen with the weight of the crown, her passionate mission as a SHERO ambassador fighting period poverty, and why Nigerian youth must refuse to let present economic hardships dim their inner greatness.
Excerpts:
Tell us about your growing up. Did it influence your decision to be a Queen and also choose a career as a chef?
My upbringing played a significant role in shaping the woman I am today. I come from a humble background, but I was blessed to grow up in a home filled with love. My family may not have had everything, but they always supported our dreams and taught us the value of hard work, perseverance, and compassion. Growing up, I learned very early that life’s circumstances do not have to define your future. While some of my dreams were delayed or cut short because of the challenges surrounding us at the time, I refused to allow those circumstances to determine the course of my life.
One of the most defining moments of my life was my mother’s battle with breast cancer. Watching someone so strong endure so much pain was heartbreaking, I desperately wanted to help her in any way I could. As a young woman searching for solutions, I discovered a health-related pageant and saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness and seek support for her condition.
Unfortunately, despite all efforts, she passed away just three months after I won the title.
Losing my mother was one of the most painful experiences of my life, but in the midst of that pain, I found purpose. I realized that pageantry could be more than glamour, fashion, and crowns. It could be a powerful platform for advocacy, awareness, and social impact.
From that moment, I chose to walk the path of pageantry with a different mindset. I was no longer pursuing titles simply for recognition; I wanted to use my voice to advocate for women’s health, empowerment, education, and opportunities for those who often go unheard. I wanted to honor my mother’s memory by sharing her story and shedding light on the challenges faced by countless women battling serious health conditions.
My journey into the culinary world is a much lighter story. Laughs. Ironically, I did not enjoy cooking when I was younger. If someone had told me then that I would become a chef and establish a culinary brand, I probably would not have believed them.
When I reflect on my journey, I realize that both pageantry and culinary arts were born from very different experiences but are united by the same purpose: serving people.
Tell us about your journey into pageantry. Is this your first contest? Why did you compete for Miss One Nigeria?
My journey into pageantry has been anything but easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
From the very beginning, I had to challenge stereotypes and societal expectations. As a thick and curvy woman, I often found myself in spaces where women who looked like me were not traditionally represented. There were times when people questioned whether I belonged on a pageant stage, and there were moments when I faced criticism simply because I did not fit the conventional beauty standards that many had become accustomed to.
However, I refused to allow those limitations to define me. Instead, I chose to see my uniqueness as a strength rather than a disadvantage. I believed that beauty comes in different forms and that every woman deserves to be seen, represented, and celebrated. That belief gave me the courage to keep showing up, keep competing, and keep believing in myself even when others doubted me.
No, Miss One Nigeria was not my first pageant. Over the years, I have had the privilege of competing in several pageants, and each experience has played an important role in shaping my growth, confidence, and purpose.
I am proud to have successfully won three beauty pageant titles:
Miss Health Africa 2017; Miss Heritage Nigeria 2021; and Miss One Nigeria 2025/2026
Each crown represents a different chapter of my life and a different cause that I am passionate about. Miss Health Africa ignited my passion for health advocacy and women’s wellbeing. Miss Heritage Nigeria deepened my appreciation for culture, identity, and community representation. Miss One Nigeria has given me an even greater platform to amplify my humanitarian work and advocate for meaningful social change.
I chose to compete for Miss One Nigeria because it is a pageant that genuinely embraces inclusion, diversity, and purpose-driven leadership. What stood out to me was their commitment to creating opportunities for women from different backgrounds, body types, and experiences. They recognize that beauty is not one-dimensional and that true queens are defined by their character, impact, intelligence, and ability to inspire others.
As a woman who has personally experienced the challenges of breaking stereotypes, I found a sense of belonging in an organization that celebrates authenticity and empowers women to embrace who they are unapologetically.
Miss One Nigeria gave me the opportunity to represent not only myself but also countless young women who may have been told they are not enough because they do not fit society’s narrow definition of beauty.
Winning the title as the first-ever Miss One Nigeria is an honor I do not take lightly. It represents more than a personal achievement—it represents progress, inclusion, and the possibility for every young girl to see herself reflected on a stage she once thought was out of reach.
What part of being a beauty queen is 100 percent difficult?
I would say the most difficult part of being a beauty queen is the responsibility that comes with the crown. Many people see the glamour, beautiful outfits, photoshoots, and public appearances, but they often do not see the pressure, sacrifices, and expectations behind the scenes.
When you wear a crown, people naturally look up to you. They expect you to be a role model, a leader, and an advocate at all times. This means that every decision you make, every word you speak, and every action you take carries weight. There is a constant responsibility to represent your title, your organization, and your community with excellence and integrity.
Another challenging aspect is balancing personal life, professional commitments, and advocacy work. As a beauty queen, there are moments when you have to continue showing up for others even when you are dealing with personal struggles of your own. The ability to remain focused on your mission while navigating life’s challenges requires emotional strength and resilience.
What is the duration of your reign and what are the key assignments you have as Miss One Nigeria?
The reign of a beauty queen is typically one year, but it’s subject to change depending on the organization’s schedule.
As the reigning Miss One Nigeria 2026, my primary responsibility is to serve as an ambassador of Nigerian culture, unity, and the values of the organization. My key assignments include promoting female empowerment, leadership development, and community service.
I am also a SHERO ambassador, for the fight against period poverty which is also a key assignment in my reign and even post my reign. I also address social issues and challenges affecting women, children, and underserved communities. Above all, my responsibility is to set a standard for future titleholders by inspiring hope, empowering people, promoting inclusion, and creating meaningful impact across Nigeria.
What message of hope do you tell youth, especially those who are fed up with Nigeria?
I understand the frustrations many young Nigerians feel because I am also a Nigerian youth. The challenges are real, and at times the future may seem uncertain. However, I want young people to know that their current circumstances should never define who they are or what they can become.
I want every young person to know that they are not alone. There is still purpose in you, and there are still possibilities ahead of you. Hold on to God. Trust in Him. Do not lose hope. Keep learning. Keep showing up. Keep investing in yourself. Believe in your dreams and do not give up, because your story is not over.
Do not allow your present challenges to convince you that your future is hopeless. There is still greatness within you, even if you cannot see it yet.
I encourage every young person not to give up on themselves. Life may feel overwhelming, but your journey is still unfolding, and your best chapters may still be ahead.
Most importantly, hold on to God and have faith. Trust that He is still working behind the scenes for your good, even when you cannot see it yet.
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